Client barbecue a huge hit

Our annual client barbecue just keeps getting better every year.

It was a great day. Perfect temperature and by the time the barbecue started, we had lots of shade in the dining area we created on the east side of our parking lot. Volunteers with Enbridge were on hand to take care of all our cooking needs while staff and volunteers served up the food.

Yesterday, we had a special volunteer. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson stopped by and he wasted no time in putting himself to work. He manned the tomato tray and talked to the men and women as they made their way through the line. Thank you, Mayor Watson, for your continued support of Shepherds of Good Hope and the people who rely on our services every day.

By the end of the two-hour event, we had more than 350 people come through the gates. What always touches my heart is how thankful the clients are. These are Ottawa's most vulnerable men and women. They have so little and there is so much more we would like to be able to give them. And yet they are so appreciative of what can provide. Most of us won't think twice about a summer barbecue. It's part of our summer routine. But the men and women at Shepherds of Good Hope recognize it as something more than routine for them. It's an event. And it's one we're proud to put on for them. I can't wait for next year.

A special thank you to Loblaws for the donation of ice cream sticks. Very, very popular. Did I say how popular the ice cream was? VERY!

Again, thank you to all the staff, volunteers, donors and the Mayor, but most importantly, thank you to the clients for making the 2015 Client Barbecue an event to remember.

Cooking for our clients

Like a lot of organizations, summer is a chance to get outside. It's a treat. During the summer months, we hold several anniversary barbecues. But today is a little more special. Today's barbecue is about celebrating the men and women who use our services across all of our facilities. We work with them every day. They come to us from all different backgrounds and are at different points in their lives. This barbecue is about more than just getting outside on a nice day. It's about doing something special for the people who have so little. And we consider ourselves honoured and privileged to do it.

There's no anniversary to celebrate, no new program to mark. It's all about the clients. So instead of coming to 233 Murray Street to line up for the evening meal in the soup kitchen, it will be hamburgers and hotdogs, treats and drinks, music and fellowship.

Mother Nature is cooperating by giving us a warm day, but not too humid, the prefect day for a barbecue. Thank you to everyone who donated food or time to ensure that this will be our most successful barbecue. If you're a donor or would like to simply know more about what we do, stop by. We'll be happy to answer any of your questions.

Tomorrow, I'll share some photos with a recap of the event.